Music

Make iPhone Ringtones from MP3 Songs Using iTunes - Video Tutorial

2008-10-02T19:10:00.001-07:00

Make iPhone Ringtones from MP3 Songs Using iTunes - Video Tutorial

This easy-to-follow video tutorial from CNET explains how to create iPhone ringtones using just the iTunes software – the steps stay the same for both Mac and Windows computers.You may use iTunes to convert any MP3 song into an iPhone ringtone provided the song file is not protected by DRM. This means the technique won’t work with iTunes store music but is perfect for creating ringtones from songs that you purchased from Amazon store or ripped from a CD.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2008 TO YOU

2007-12-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2008 TO YOU .

LET YOUR CHERISHED DREAMS AND GOALS BE ACHIEVED IN THIS YEAR WITH GRACE OF ALMIGHTY AND YOUR INTELLIGENT EFFORTS.

P K Kothari

· New Year Greetings Permanent Calendar

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End is near for the CD single

2007-09-15T04:49:00.001-07:00

CALL Philip Nitschke. It may be time to put the CD single out of its misery as it enters the final stages of a long but inexorable death.

Four years ago in Australia the relatively cheap, two- or three-song package - the modern version of the seven-inch vinyl record - sold more than 5 million copies in the first half of the year. This year that figure has dropped to a little more than 1 million.

Although sales dropped by 25 per cent each year between 2004 and last year, this year's CD singles are down almost 50 per cent on last year. In dollar terms the Australian CD single market has gone from $13,305,607 in 2004 to $3,643,249.

It can't be long before the CD single goes the way of the vinyl single. So few vinyl singles are sold now that the the Australian Recording Industry Association doesn't even count them.

As with its vinyl predecessor, the CD single sells mainly to teenagers and young music consumers.That internet-savvy market has turned its attention to digital downloads.

In 2004 and 2005, as the record industry was still claiming then-illegal downloads were "killing music", or at least their profits, the industry's association kept no download figures. Now, however, with two years' figures available from legal downloads, it's possible to chart a massive 64 per cent growth in downloaded tracks (that could be singles or album tracks).

In the first half of last year Australians downloaded 4,924,831 tracks, at a cost of $5,118,151. This year that has increased to 7,958,855, earning the record companies $8,380,163.

While growth continues in the downloads of singles and albums - album downloads rose 66 per cent in the first half of this year, albeit from a very modest base - the news on physical sales - music you can hold in your hands - is poor.

Putting a gloss on the figures, the industry association highlighted the increased presence of Australian acts in the sales charts. Australian-produced music made up 35 per cent of first-half sales compared with 32 per cent in the same period last year. Yet the most telling figure for any record company executive is that total sales this year so far, at some $186 million, are down 14 per cent. Not terminal, but far from healthy.

West blames MTV for Britney's poor performance

2007-09-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Kanye West blames MTV for Britney Spears' less than stellar performance at the Video Music Awards.

"Man, they were just trying to get ratings, and they knew she wasn't ready and they exploited her," the 29-year-old rapper said today on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Morning Mash Up.

The network made a "bad move" by having the troubled pop star open Sunday's event in Las Vegas, said West, who feels he should have kicked off the show with Stronger, the first single from his new album, Graduation.

"They exploited her, they played me and I really don't mess with MTV," he said.

Spears, 25, looked unprepared while performing her new song, Gimme More, to a bewildered audience of her music industry peers. She seemed nervous and, at times, stopped singing altogether.

West said he wanted to perform Stronger on the show's main stage - where R&B hotshot Chris Brown wowed the crowd with Michael Jackson-esque dance moves - but complied when he was asked to host a suite party.

West said it was a blow to the ego when Justin Timberlake, who also hosted a suite party, ended up "on the big stage" to give the closing performance with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado.

"Those are the big things, and you know what I do man, I really made the song Stronger, you know, for stadiums," he said.

MTV spokesman David French did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

West - who threw a tantrum backstage after losing all five categories for which he was nominated - said he has bonded with 50 Cent over what they view as disrespectful behaviour from MTV.

"So why do you have me do Stronger in a suite, but you end the show with Justin?" he said. "I looked at 50 like, yo, we need to help each other as much as possible."

50 Cent has said he would stop making solo records if West's new album outsells his Curtis CD in their first week out. Both albums were released today.

Court rules on Jacko song

2007-09-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

A Brussels court has ruled that Michael Jackson's 1995 hit You are not alone is largely similar to a song penned by Belgian twins two years previously, local media reported today.

All the authorial rights of the Jackson number one hit, written by Robert Kelly, alias US singer-songwriter R Kelly, therefore are switched to the Van Passel brothers according to the court ruling handed down last week.

The twin composers have fought for 12 years to gain recognition for their work, however the judgment is only applicable in Belgium and getting hold of royalties may be no simple task.

You are not alone was released in August 1995, the second single off the multi-platinum Jackson album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.

It became the first-ever single to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

On their website the Belgian composer-brothers said that the Belgian rights society SABAM had confirmed that "the most important and largest part" of the Jackson hit is "identical" to the Van Passels' work.

Lindsay Lohan charged in DUI cases

2007-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Lohan was charged with seven misdemeanors Thursday stemming from two drunken-driving arrests, avoiding more serious felony drug charges because tests showed there wasn't enough cocaine on her to warrant them.

The district attorney charged the 21-year-old actress with two counts each of driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol level above .08 percent and being under the influence of cocaine, along with one count of reckless driving.

Police found cocaine on Lohan during the arrests on May 26 in Beverly Hills and July 24 in Santa Monica. In each incident, the amounts tested were below the .05 grams required for felony charges, according to the district attorney's office.

Each of Lohan's arrests were followed by trips to rehab.

Lohan's arraignment was scheduled for Friday but a conference with a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in Beverly Hills was set for later Thursday. A disposition on the charges could be reached during the hearing, according to Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers.

The maximum penalty for a single misdemeanor DUI conviction in California is 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Conviction on a second DUI charge could draw a penalty of up to one year in jail.

Lohan's legal problems come on the heels of two other high-profile celebrity DUI cases in Los Angeles that resulted in jail time. Paris Hilton served 23 days behind bars after she was found guilty of driving on a suspended license while on probation for an alcohol-related reckless driving case. Nicole Richie was ordered to serve four days in jail stemming from a December DUI arrest.

Lohan's publicist did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment about Thursday's charges.

Lohan crashed her Mercedes Benz into a tree on Sunset Boulevard in May and fled the scene to seek medical treatment. Police tests revealed that a white powder found in Lohan's purse was .04 grams of cocaine.

Lohan checked into the posh Promises rehabilitation facility in Malibu after the incident. She left the facility July 13 after six weeks of treatment. She was photographed wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet after her release.

Lohan was arrested again on July 24 following a 911 call by Michelle Peck, the mother of Lohan's former personal assistant. Peck told police she was being chased by an SUV. Police later said Lohan was the driver.

Lohan's blood-alcohol level was between 0.12 and 0.13 percent when police found her, officials said. Police also found a white powder in her pocket that was determined to be .02 grams of cocaine.

After the incident, Lohan said in an e-mail to a host for the celebrity-news show "Access Hollywood" that she was "innocent" and the drugs found in her pocket during a pre-booking search were not hers.

She has reportedly been in a Sundance, Utah, rehab center in recent weeks.

A woman who was a passenger in Michelle Peck's vehicle sued the actress this month for assault and negligence.

Tracie Rice's suit seeks unspecified damages and payment of medical and other expenses related to emotional distress.

Lohan started 2007 in rehab at the Wonderland Center in Los Angeles.

"I was growing up and going out a lot, and I needed to have a balance," she told Elle magazine during an interview in May, just days before her first DUI arrest. "I was glad I went, because I needed to get away from everyone and I didn't know how to do that. And I learned a lot there."

Lohan's latest film, "I Know Who Killed Me," opened in July to lackluster response.

Jordin Sparks debuts new single

2007-08-24T09:22:00.002-07:00

Given the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning successes of fellow "American Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks is feeling pressure to make her own mark on the music world.

Beatboxing Blake Scores Record Deal

2007-08-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

One week after the sixth-season American Idol champ inked a deal with Jive Records, the beatboxing runner-up has scored his own recording contract with 19 Recordings/Arista Records.

The label announced Friday that Lewis is already working on his debut album, "with a stellar lineup of producers and songwriters." No word yet on a title, but the album is slated for release in "late 2007."

"Blake has a strong music sensibility and knows who he is and what his music should represent," says Clive Davis, chairman and CEO of BMG Label Group, Arista's parent. "His collaborators are all knocked out by him."

Lewis, 26, has been working in the studio in between dates on the American Idols Live! tour. The road show kicked off July 6 and runs through Sept. 22.

"I love performing, so spending the summer on the road has been a great experience," says Lewis. "But I'm also enjoying my time in the studio and I'm very excited about recording my debut album. I'm thrilled to be working with 19 Recordings and Arista Records."

Lewis, whose Idol renditions of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" and the Zombies' "Time of the Season" have already landed on the Billboard Hot 100, is teaming with some certified hitmakers in the studio. Among those pitching in on Lewis' debut: Jonathan "JR" Rotem, who has produced tracks for Rihanna (including her chart-topping "SOS") and Sean Kingston; Ryan "Alias" Tedder, who has worked with Timbaland; and S*A*M & Sluggo, who have worked with the up and coming Gym Class Heroes and Boys Like Girls.

Idol creator Simon Fuller was confident Rotem et al. would be able to harness Lewis' unique vocal skills and translate them into a hit.

"Blake is one of the most unique Idol contestants I've ever seen," said Fuller. "He brought something new to the competition and won fans all over America. I know they're going to love his first album, because it shows him off as his very best."

With Lewis at work, Sparks is ready to be played. Her latest single, Tattoo, was released on AOL's PopEater music blog Friday and to radio stations Monday.

Meanwhile, tryouts for the seventh season of American Idol are winding down. There were auditions in Miami Wednesday and the final round is scheduled for Monday in Philadelphia.

Killers to release new album

2007-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Killers are planning to release an album of B-sides, rarities and unreleased tracks, they have revealed.

The Las Vegas rockers are understood to have a host of relatively obscure material in the vaults, which could make-up the embryonic project.

Frontman Brandon Flowers says the band hit upon the plan because their fans in America have not been able to buy the singles released elsewhere across the world.

"In England we have a lot of B-sides that people in America would never know about because we don't have singles here", he told Billboard.

"So we have about 15 of these songs that people have never heard, and we wanted to stick them on something for people to get to have them all together."

Amongst the material set to feature are a series of songs from movie soundtrack, namely "Shadowplay", their Joy Division cover from Anton Corbijn's Ian Curtis biopic "Control".

The Killers headlined V2007 in the UK last weekend.

Justin joins comedy film cast

2007-08-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

US singer Justin Timberlake will join the cast of Mike Myers' new comedy flick The Love Guru.
Although Timberlake has made his name as a pop star, he has already delved into the world of acting, recently starring in gritty drama Alpha Dog.

It will also be the second time the SexyBack star has collaborated with Austin Powers mastermind Myers, after both provided voices for Shrek The Third.

Myers, who is co-producing the comedy, plays a man raised by gurus who goes on to give marriage guidance.

Justin will star as a professional hockey player who has an affair with the wife of a fellow team mate, leading to disastrous results.

The singer will appear alongside Jessica Alba and Romany Malco in the movie as well as Verne Troyer who played Mini Me in the Austin Powers series.

Filming is expected to start next month in Canada.

Brit's Assistant Gets Served

2007-08-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

The bitter child custody battle between Britney Spears and ex-hubby Kevin
Federline is heating up. On Sunday, K-Fed's lawyer served papers to Britney's assistant/party pal Alli Sims. Sims will have to testify in court about Britney's lifestyle and her parenting skills. Last week K-Fed filed for primary custody of the couple’s two sons. The would-be rapper is worried about Britney's recent erratic behaviour and her negative influence on their kids.

Oasis Release New DVD

2007-08-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Following its limited cinema release earlier this year, a new extended version of the Oasis tour documentary ‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’ will be in shops – complete with a bunch of Gallagher-related bonus material – just in time for Christmas.

The film follows Oasis on their 2005 world tour traveling across 26 countries and playing to over 2 million people and was directed by Baillie Walsh who has previously worked with Massive Attack, Spiritualized, New Order and - oddly Kylie Minogue.

In addition to the feature length documentary that received a theatrical release, the (double) DVD set includes voice over commentaries from the band, a Noel Gallagher Q&A session with fans from New York City and outtakes from the film.

The second 90 minute bonus disc also features the band’s homecoming show at Manchester City’s Eastlands Stadium together with footage sent in by fans from around the world who attended that show.

In terms of other Oasis news, the band are currently preparing a brand new album for release in 2008.

‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’ is out October 29.

‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’ full contents is:

Disc One:

Feature length documentary tour film ‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’ in stereo and surround sound.
Bonus audio commentary – Noel, Liam, Andy and Gem guide you through the film with their recollections of the tour.
A Noel Gallagher Q&A session with fans runs alongside out-takes from the film.

Bonus Disc:

Oasis live at City of Manchester Stadium on 2nd July 2005 – sixteen classic tracks shot in HD with stereo and surround sound.
Bonus Disc also features unique footage and pictures sent in by fans who attended the concert.

Van Halen Reunion Announcement

2007-08-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today, David Lee Roth, Alex and Eddie Van Halen and Eddie’s son Wolfgang — the current Van Halen lineup — will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles for a press conference to officially announce their upcoming 50-date reunion tour. Rolling Stone will have a full report — including photos and video straight from the scene — later this afternoon.

Last week Rolling Stone confirmed news of the reunion, which was originally supposed to take place earlier this year, but was postponed just before Eddie Van Halen checked into rehab. In February, when Rolling Stone learned of the band’s first tour with their original frontman in twenty-three years, David Lee Roth told us, “The chemistry is combustible … Everybody’s at the top of their game … My voice is arguably better than it was when I left the band back when. I love what I do, perhaps for some different reasons now than I did, more so than I did. It’s a privilege to do what I do for a living.”

Timbaland - Shock Value [Instrumental Version]

2007-08-11T03:53:00.001-07:00

Yeah, you read that right. Timbaland has released his latest album in an instrumental version on iTunes! This is so sick... beats, beats, beats. I can listen to this all day! If you like what you hear, go purchase the album from the iTunes Music Store.

Rihanna [ft. Ne-Yo] - Hate That I Love You

2007-08-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hate That I Love You is the 4th single to be released from Rihanna's latest album, following Umbrella and Shut Up And Drive/Don't Stop The Music. It's a pretty good ballad, but it sounds a bit too much like Ne-Yo's Sexy Love. Maybe a good thing, maybe a bad thing. "Rehab would fare much better as a single", many say. But perhaps the label sees that radio is too consumed by Timbaland these days?

Ne-Yo - Can We Chill

2007-08-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

Ne-Yo's new single Can We Chill will start its rounds on radio on August 28th. I'm glad he releasing this track; it's much, much better than the lackluster Do You. Hope the following single is either Make It Work or Go On Girl.

Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder [Cory Bold Remix]

2007-08-11T03:49:00.001-07:00

You might remember that I've posted Cory Bold remixes to Ciara's Promise, Cassie's Long Way 2 Go and The Game's Strip Club in the past. Here's another remix, quite unexpected actually, to Maroon 5's Makes Me Wonder.

Mama Africa Lyrics - AKON (Konvicted)

2007-08-11T03:37:00.001-07:00

AKON LYRICS - MAMA AFRICA LYRICS

So much so much love
So much
So tell me can you feel it
So much so much yeah
Ya know
Make that visit
So much so much love
So much
Senegal can you feel it
So much so much yeah
So much
OOW!

So much love to share
Pure blackness, oneness so rare
So much love to care
Let them know they’re missin’ out
Mama Africa has
so much love to share
Sweet blackness, oneness be there
So much love to care
Let them know they missin’ out
Sing again

A
This is for all the love
And the life took away
F
Don’t forget we were born in trade
R
ripped from the land and shipped away
I
Is the inspiration we used to survive
C
Have to see it with your own cries
A
Don’t play
Add it up and alright

Still ya don’t know
Land is so gold and green
The place is so fresh and clean
And everyday I water my garden
Tell if you feel it deep in your heart and
The space is so cool and nice
Visit once, guaranteed to visit twice
And if you just believe in the most high
I know you’ll be alright

Mama Africa has
So much love to share
Pure blackness, oneness so rare
So much love to give
And let them know they’re missin’out
Mama Africa you
So much love to share
Sweet blackness, oneness be there
So much love to care
and let them know they missin’ out
Sing again

A
That’s my favorite place when I need to get away
F
Must forget but we can’t forget to pray
R
Like Lance ridin’ on the runway
I
In my homeland and I’m feelin’ so alive
C
Hear me chant Africa unite
A
Gonna accept the mass alright

Still ya don’t know
Skin is so dark and brown
She lifts me right off the ground
But no ya not gonna see it on ya tv
So yo just listen up and believe me
Her trees have the only cure
Her love is so blue and pure
Had to kiss them troubles goodbye bye
No I don’t have to lie mama Africa, you got

So much love to share
Pure blackness, oneness so rare
So much love to care
Let them know they’re missin’ out
Mama Africa
So much love to share
Sweet blackness, oneness be there
So much love to care
And let them know that they missin’ out
Mama Africa

So much so much love
So much
So tell me can you feel it
So much so much care
So much
Make that visit
So much so much love
So much
Senegal can you feel it
So much so much care
so much
Ow!
So much love to share
I just can’t see how we livin’ without it
So much love to care
Don’t miss don’t miss one moment about it
So much love to share
Resist this bliss yo I really doubt it
So much love to care
so much love
So much love to share (ooh yeah)
Pure blackness, oneness so rare
(Thoughts had crossed my mind)
So much love to care
Let them know they’re missin’ out
(Feelin’ it all the time)
so much love to share
Sweet blackness, oneness be there
so much love to care
Let them know they’re missin’ out
Sing again

————————————————–
Mama Africa Lyrics - AKON Song Words

Song Words by Artist / Band : AKON
Lyrics Title : Mama Africa
Taken from Album : Konvicted
Single Released : May 15, 2007 (U.S.); July 30, 2007 (UK)
Music Genre : R&B, Reggae, Hip Hop, Rap

Before her marriage Aishwarya Rai already had a statue at Madame Tussauds. Now post-marriage a new one has been made with a bridal look along with a M

2007-08-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hans Zimmer (The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack / OST) - Spider Pig Lyrics

SPIDER PIG

Does whatever a SPIDER PIG does

Can he swing

From a web

No he cant

He’s a pig

LooK ouut!

He is a SPIDER PIG!!

————————————————–
Spider Pig Lyrics - Hans Zimmer (The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack) Song Words

Song Words by Artist / Band : Hans Zimmer
Lyrics Title : Spider Pig (The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack / OST)
Taken from Album : The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack / OST
Single Released : July 24, 2007
Music Genre : Movie Soundtrack / OST

6 Questions With Alicia Keys

2007-08-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

In less than five years, Alicia Keys has accomplished more than seasoned performers twice her age, from releasing two multiplatinum albums and winning nine Grammy Awards to consistently selling out concerts.

Q: Why do you think doing an "Unplugged" session was a good fit for your music?

A: Before I even got signed, I'd play these small clubs, or hotels even. When I did get signed and I was going around letting people know what I was about, that's exactly how I did it: me on the piano, playing a couple of songs I'd written and talking to the people in between. That's how I got my performance chops up. Now, when I perform in front of large audiences, I'm much more comfortable, because I've already performed in front of tiny audiences—which is much harder, honestly. The smaller you strip things down, the more you depend on the songs and yourself, as opposed to arrangements.

To go back to this style is one of the reasons why I really wanted to do this "Unplugged." Obviously it was a little different than me and my little Kurzweil keyboard, but it was that feeling. I could look at every face in the audience.

Q: What is the origin of "Unbreakable"?

A: It has been around since the sessions for the last record [2003's "The Diary of Alicia Keys"], and it was one of the favorites for the album. But when we started putting the album together, it just wasn't right for it. The style is so perfect for "Unplugged," so I decided to put it in there.

Q: Are you planning to tour anymore this year?

A: I was just talking to Bono the other day, and he was like, "Are you doing shows?" I've just been off the road for a month-and-a-half, and he was like, "You lucky girl." Something I've learned from people like U2, the Stones and Lenny Kravitz is that the grind of live shows is so necessary [to build your career]. We were on the road for two years straight doing shows. But for now, I'm not really doing anymore shows. I might do a couple of spontaneous, small, "Unplugged"-style things.

Q: Has any new material for your next studio album sprung forth lately?

A: Oh, there's been a lot of things springing forth from me. [laughs] I have this new direction I'm feeling I will go in for the next album. I've been playing around, experimenting and vibing on different styles. I have about four or five songs I've been working with, but I'm constantly writing all the time. I'll be really focusing on my next album at the top of this next year.

Q: In the midst of all these other projects, have you found time to do any writing with other artists in mind?

A: Well, there are a couple of things I'm working on, but they're not official. There are some really great collaborations that myself and my partner Crucial are working on. We like to write for artists we connect with, even though it's all different styles of music.

Q: Has your next book begun to take shape?

A: It is percolating. It will be based off my journals I've kept since I was 9. But it won't be an autobiography. It will be more like a novel, using the likeness of a young girl with big dreams and all the normal, everyday things from when you first can write them down to when you're 21. There's no date yet. I think this one is going to take me a little bit of time.

Timbaland retains top spot

2007-08-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Timbaland has resisted advances of Kate Nash to retain number one spot in the single's chart.

Last week the hotshot producer's single The Way I Are finally ended Rihanna's ten-week reign at the top of the tree.

Her single Umbrella slipped one place to number four, while another of her singles, Shut Up And Drive, moved up from 18 to 14.

London singer-songwriter Kate Nash hung on to her number two spot with Foundations and Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry moved up one place to number three.

New in at number five was Robyn With Kleerup's dance track With Every Heartbeat, which pushed Enrique Iglesias' Do You Know down one place to number six.

One of the biggest jumps this week was Hans Zimmer's Spider Pig - a theme tune from The Simpson's Movie - which moved from 106 to position 24

Usher Gets Married After All: Report

2007-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

After last week's abrupt wedding cancellation, singer marries Tameka Foster in simple ceremony.

The couple, who are expecting their first child together, were married in a simple ceremony held in the office of Usher's lawyer, according to the Sun-Times — a far cry from the lavish event planned for last weekend at the Long Island, New York, home of Island Def Jam head L.A. Reid.

Rumors about possible causes for the wedding's cancellation — ranging from the disapproval of Usher's mother to disagreements over the prenuptial agreement — were rife last week, leading Foster to make several guarded comments to People. Foster dismissed those rumors, but did confirm that she had a pregnancy "scare." "I was pushing myself way too hard," the five-months pregnant Foster, 37, told the magazine. "But I am fine and the baby is fine."

Usher and Foster's relationship has been a complicated one. News of their engagement was mentioned almost casually by Usher during an interview with MTV News earlier this year and the pair have been dogged by rumors ever since. Just a couple of weeks ago, Usher wrote an open letter to People angrily responding to gossip about his relationship with Foster. The singer also reportedly personally called radio jocks at certain stations asking for lenience.

And while Foster did not confirm whether she and Usher still planned to marry after last week's cancellation, Usher chimed in on the matter soon after, telling UsMagazine.com in a story published Tuesday: "As of right now we don't have a date, but we will let you know when we do. Everybody's fine. Tameka and the baby are fine."

At press time, representatives for the singer had not responded to MTV News' requests for comment.

Fergie-Big Girls Don't Cry

2007-08-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Pea bird Fergie releases the third single from her mass unit shifting solo album, The Dutchess. And you know what, it ain't that bad. Taking a distance from the childish Humps song, Big Girls Don't Cry is Fergies showcase as a serious artist, upping the maturity stakes.

Produced by Black Eyed Peas team mate Will.I.Am, the gentle acoustic guitar, heart ripping sentiment and infectious chorus, make for a surprisingly decent four minutes. The promo video is her stage for a multitude of costume changes in all manner of semi sexy threads - not too sure about the slippers when she's hanging up the washing though, but that's probably deliberate.

Back to the tune, however. Young(ish) Stacey Ann Ferguson appears intent on a very succesful recording career, and this catchy ballad will certainly help the cause.

cash

2007-08-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

CASH comes out as showstopper, a rollicking maneuver of stylized action thrills delivered through racy and vibrant musical entertainment. It’s a big occasion where “trance” musical genre strikes “full-size” charismatic presence in a contemporary Bollywood offering. “Trance”, the funky musical format, is basically a combination of various electronic music such as ambient music, techno, and house, which collectively creates a “trance” (bizarre) like state on floors. Its formation is largely construed with the concoction of repetitious morphing beats and agonizing melodies which would make it exceptional for nightclubs and discotheques. Vishal-Shekhar’s innovative move has prospered back their commercial viability and positively be lauded for their enterprising and pioneering effort in foraying into new territories with great success.

It’s “trance” “n” “hip-hop” mania all over as meticulously penned “hook” melody of “Cash to da right to me, Cash to da left to me…” forms a zany loop with pulsating electronic sounds, throbbing drum beats coagulating effectively with energized hip-hop to create a emotions of “bizarre” in the title track “Cash”. It’s analogous to Pritam’s “Dhoom Machale” (DHOOM) though it is intrinsically electronic and trance feast. Sunidhi Chauhan’s svelte “n” screechy vocals steep in with kick drum on every down-beat with added percussive elements to give it a rollicking appeal. Vishal-Shekhar is the resounding back-up vocals with madcap thrust while their lyrical flow is similar to loquaciously penned “Sabse Bada Rupaiya” (BLUFFMASTER). Get into the groove and get set for visual spectacle of sky diving, kite surfing, skate boarding where this number works as signature theme track with spine-chilling effect.

Femme-fatale groovy thump rules the show as the hi-voltage trance, vibrant “bhangra” and trendy electronic sounds collages to give bootylicious babes many reasons to rock the floors in piquantly punched “Mind Blowing Mahiya”. It can be upbeat elucidation of “Beedi” (OMKARA) or refurbished “Crazy Kiya Re” (DHOOM 2) with a peculiar “trance” electronic effect but overall its catchy rhythmic patterns works sinusoidally with its vigorous thump. Sunidhi delivers one of her captivating dancing tracks but is apposite more for nightclubs for its repetitive electronic sounds that work aggressively with its flavorful drum beat effects. Play it loud and feel the invigorating “trance” musical effect that proves enthralling to senses.
Simply mind blowing!

“Na Pucho” brings the flavor of “fusion” pop as many genres; styles make effective noises and sounds in creating an enthused tempo for a rip-roaring dancing track. The collective musical punches of repetitive melodic synthesizer phrases, loud percussions, and frenzied rap with tinge of Arabic music are streamlined to perfection in delivering a sensuous dance track. Sunidhi’s vocals contort to the desires of “club” dancing tracks where a troupe swirls in tandem along with lead performer in a cyclical rhythmic flow. Soundtracks like “Deedar De” (DUS), “Mahi Ve” (KAANTE) and “Ishq Kabhi Kariyo Na” (MUSAFIR) had similar raunchy dancing appeal but this track has innovative electronic sound appeal that should work positively for album and film prospects.

After “fusion” pop, its folksy “fusion” splurging out with pompous zest in “Naughty Naughty”, a spicy “n” peppery folk base “trance” track crooned superciliously by Anushka “Golmaal” Manchandani. It’s gleeful “folk” base soundtrack where traditional “Rajasthani” lingo forms backdrop while energized hip-hop and silken throaty vocals enlightens senses with its pungent fervor. Anushka Manchandani punches out a typical “Ila Arun” soundtrack in an electronica cum pop mode where the improvised synthesizer works with effect reverb and delay effect. Its slick choreography will be an engrossing affair as Vishal’s spicy lyrics delivers an amusing journey for party freaks. Lately successful soundtracks like “Beedi”, “Namak” and “Sajanji Vari Vari” had intense and passionate folk base that worked significantly for its connoisseurs and if this clicks, then we can assume another chartbuster in making. Rock it!

Like the raunchy and seductive “Na Pucho”, “Rehem Kare” comes as another seductress feverish number that is enriched with hip-hop and electronically profound musical base effect. Panchi Jalonvi’s have expressive binge but its resonating hip-hop, impetuously punched “trance” music that forms its core element. Sunidhi Chauhan is undoubtedly “the chosen one” as she comes up with another racy and shrill paced DJ’s favorite that well can played loud at discos. Relish it for its snazzy “techno” beat structure that forms amiable link-up with energized hip-hop in making it “club” mix special treat.

Its synthesizer mania all the way as dissimilar electronic sounds clash and crash with affluently punched hip-hop and “bhangra” flavors impulsively to create a bedlam of romanticism in “Zara Bachke (Kickin Rockin It Mix)”. When there is a raging pop diva Anushka along with deadly duo Vishal-Shekhar at the helm of affairs, it’s believed to be quintessential form of display. Its super-high “beats per minute” tempo and frivolous electronic sound display makes it a DJ’s delight affair and surely it will high on charts in coming days.

Vishal-Shekhar finally made it! The upbeat and buoyant musical force of tinsel town raises their mantle as they chisels new electronic beat structure mingled with rich blend of “trance” and hip-hop genre style of musical formats. CASH rejuvenates duo back in contention for top slot and it’s a swashbuckling comeback after series of mediocre work that decimated their ranking in the marquee. The album works more like a “party album” and surely it will inundate a passion for “trance” musical appeal in other film albums.

cash

2007-08-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

marigold-music

2007-08-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Shankar Ehsaan Loy (SEL) adds more dimensions to their eclectically supreme filmography by venturing into new genre of cross-cultural cinema through soulful love saga MARIGOLD. Unlike their commercially thriving albums, it caters mainly to the international diaspora with a global feel. Set against the exotic locales of Goa, it construes the love chemistry between compassionate Bollywood choreographer (Salman Khan) and naïve Hollywood starlet (Ali Larter) with mixed-mash blend of Indo-western musical outburst. SEL delivers their finest soft rock ballad of this year in “Yeh Pyar Kya Hai (seven stages of love)” but thereafter the album disappoints as it shapes itself into decayed style of Bollywood music in the bunch of situational soundtracks. These soundtracks are speculated to be a spoof or parody on Bollywood’s hypocritical attitude and professional insincerity as it bounces back to yesteryears format of musical displays in a sardonic and derisive way.

The colors of love can’t be so impetuously sentimental refined as “seven stages of love” masquerades itself into blend of over-sappy emotions in soulfully delightful “Yeh Pyar Kya Hai(Seven stages of love)”. Shaan’s immaculately pristine vocals unravel the delightful bon-voyage of lovable emotions with the magnetism of his mystifying volubility that penetrates charmingly with soul-stirring orchestration. It reminisces back the charisma of his everlasting “Aksar” (Album –Aksar) with dash of minimal guitar strumming that forms mesmerizing chemistry with subtle piano and violin notes. Javed Akhtar’s “full of joie de vivre” lyrical flow expressively recites the “seven stages of love” concurrently and builds up a castle of eternal love in utmost mystifying way. SEL comes up with their finest soft rock ballad of the year and they splendidly re-live the magic of their everlasting tracks “Jeene Ke Ishare” (PHIR MILENGE) and “Pal” (ROCKFORD) with subtly poetic expressions.

Shaan gets into groovy shades as he extols out a racy dancing soundtrack “Yeh Pyar Hai (that’s love)”, a delightful beach song that mesmerizes about the surreptitious endeavors of love. This furtively penned work by Javed Akhtar is shades parallel to dreamy journey of “Yeh Pyar Kya Hai” but works coherently with the youthful sentiments. It’s an average gleeful offering that should find the trapping of conventional Salman Khan solo track in his “Casanova” dancing attire. SEL’s vigorous arrangements bring the fervor of Goan delightful fest and its animated percussive orchestration works in tandem with Shaan’s modulating voice in delivering a concert feel to the track.

Vikas Bhalla (?) A sub-standard actor who tried his fortune as pop songster decades back (album –“Dhuan Dhuan”), rises from ashes and now makes a formidable appearance as lead vocalist in conventional Bollywood yelling treat “Paagal Si Saari Lehrein (Beach Blanket Bollywood)”. This can’t be anything contemporary SEL stuff as they shed their wizardry in nurturing out a sarcastically situational number with stereotyped musical aesthetics. Alka Yagnik’s synchronized mellifluous display proves lucky escape for Vikas Bhalla’s gullible vocal display but overall its slapdash presentation makes it a disappointing affair. It’s moreover a flaccid tribute to 80’s and 90’s style of musical work where composers tried to invigorate the desired feel to match its situational needs.

Nihira Joshi made promising vibes in SAALAM-E-ISHQ and now SEL trusts on another fresh talent Nikita Nigam in pollinating a tenderly communicative “Saccha Pyar (The meaning of love)”. Nikita’s vocal tonality is quite analogous to Hema Sardesai and this number comes out in conventional western classical mode with middling impact. Javed Akhtar’s receptive lyrics are well synchronized into soft and supple orchestrations but the amiable outcry sounds sloppy and faded. Like Nihira, Nikita shows enormous promise and deserves better outing as this may go unobserved.

Mediocrity plagues again in the album as Vikas Bhalla makes his second occurrence along with Alka Yagnik, Sneha Pant and Nihira Joshi in lethargically romantic track “Tan Man (Marigold Erupts)”. This loosely packed number makes notable dent for its outdated 60’s feel that comes with folksy flavors with bountiful of stereotyped Bollywood notes and rhythms. Skip it and wait for its cinematic display as it will find more authenticity in its visually illustrative display.

After “One Love” (RAKHT), Shaan makes another affable bondage with foreign musical talents as actress Ali Larter along with “Truth Hurts” (American R n B singer Shari Watson) teams up imposingly in nerve-racking and daunting love track “Listen to the music”. It’s slow and pulsating westernized concoction with dash of classical “ragas” cadre’s it in fusion genre but it flourishes moreover as a background score for the film than an amusing track.
Cross-cultural endeavors have always propelled the ethnicity of foreign culture and now it sparks off as a classical opera track in sentimentally refined “The Meaning of Love”. It’s a delightful solo treat by “Truth Hurts”, an English version of Nikita Nigam’s “Saccha Pyar Hai” that comes with synchronized philharmonic displays. It works on an instrumental ensemble of brass, woodwinds, strings and soft percussive elements, delivering a subtle sentimental feel. It will have restricted takers for its classy ambience as earlier impressive tracks like “My Heart will go on” (by Sunita Sarthy in KISNA) went unnoticed but overall it has a mesmerizing feel that should work magic in the forbidding romantic moments of the film.

Soul-stirring “Yeh Pyar Kya Hai (Seven stages of love)” is rehashed into English phraseology as director Willard Carroll pens up impressive “Seven stages of Love”. The soft and expressive vocals of American vocalist “Truth Hurts” concocts remarkably with Shaan’s ebulliently synchronized vocals in reciting this delectably sweet love track. SEL retains the subtlety of instrumental work that proved magical in “Yeh Kya Pyar Hai” and rechristens it delightfully for its target listeners. Feel the suppleness of emotions that transcends meticulously in its fussily conceived verses that gels well with the supple musical flow.

MARIGOLD goes special and benchmarks itself musically for “Yeh Pyar Kya Hai” (both versions), a quixotically poetic delight by veteran Javed Akhtar and director Willard Carroll with supreme vocal display by youthful Shaan and vibrant “Truth Hurts”. Its rough patches lies in its situational tracks that finally bring down the nostalgic feel. SEL dares to be different but fails to notch up anything spectacular or impressive as SAALAM-E-ISHQ, JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM or KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNA.

Rihanna Umbrella lyrics

2007-07-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

[Jay-Z]
Ahuh Ahuh (Yea Rihanna)
Ahuh Ahuh (Good girl gone bad)
Ahuh Ahuh (Take three... Action)
Ahuh Ahuh

No clouds in my storms
Let it rain, I hydroplane in the bank
Coming down with the Dow Jones
When the clouds come we gone, we Rocafella
We fly higher than weather
And G5’s are better, You know me,
an anticipation, for precipitation. Stacked chips for the rainy day
Jay, Rain Man is back with little Ms. Sunshine
Rihanna where you at?

[Rihanna]
You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
May be in magazines
But you'll still be my star
Baby cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because

[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for Infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
Because

[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

You can run into my arms
It's okay don't be alarmed
Come into me
There's no distance in between our love
So go on and let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more
Because

[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

It's raining
Ooh baby it's raining
Baby come into me
Come into me
It's raining
Oh baby it's raining

Lionel Richie Uncertain About Grandfatherhood

2007-07-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

If Nicole Richie is indeed in the family way, there's one member of her family she apparently hasn't informed.

After performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans Saturday, Lionel Richie said he didn't know if his daughter was pregnant, but admitted he was not sure he was prepared to be a grandfather if she was.

"Grandpa, man, that's wild," he told People. "I don't know if I'm going to be grandpa, I don't know if I'm ready to be called grandpa."

However, if widespread speculation can be believed, he may want to take a crash course in Grandparenting 101.

Though Nicole has yet to officially confirm that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Joel Madden, a close pal told E! Online's Ted Casablanca last month that the slim star was pregnant and that friends and family were already shopping for baby gifts. The speculation further ramped up with cover stories in Us Weekly, In Touch and Life & Style.

Nicole's rep declined to confirm the rabid reproduction rumors last week, telling E! News: "[We have] nothing to report."

Meanwhile, a possible due date isn't the only thing penciled in on Nicole's calendar.

The Simple Life star is facing trial on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence stemming from her December arrest. If convicted, she could face up to a year behind bars due to a prior drunken-driving conviction in 2003.

A pretrial hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday, but Nicole is not expected to attend.

Lionel Richie expressed support for his 25-year-old daughter, saying she was "just in an unfortunate situation," and that her legal problems were simply a factor of her youth.

"She keeps apologizing to me," he said. "I told her, 'You're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing to your father at this age.'"

He said that modern technology has made it harder for the current generation of celebrities to lead private lives.

Beyonce� Burns Fans

2007-07-31T06:32:00.001-07:00

Beyoncé Knowles already knew her fans were irreplaceable. Unfortunately, she found out the hard way that they're also highly flammable.

Two unlucky concertgoers were hospitalized Sunday night when a pyrotechnics stunt opening the Grammy winner's St. Louis concert went awry and sparks flew into the front row of the venue.

During the opening moments of the show, the "Ring the Alarm" singer appeared on stage while a blaze of pyrotechnics, for the most part, rained down around her. In a burst of malfunction, however, some of the fireworks took a detour from landing on the stage and instead made a beeline for the unwitting audience members.

Bailey Stiles, 19, and Chastity Rodgers, whose age hasn't been revealed, were taken straight from their too-close-for-comfort seats at the Scottrade Center to the nearby Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where the duo was treated for minor burns. Both have since been released.

But not before getting treated to some A-list bedside manner.

Shortly after the show—which did go on—wrapped, Beyoncé paid a visit to the patients, checking on the extent of their injuries and, in doing so, inadvertently putting the kibosh on any litigious leanings.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Beyoncé showed up at the hospital just after 1 a.m. and stuck around for 45 minutes of chatting and picture taking before making her exit.

"She just kind of walked in," Stiles told the paper. "Pretty much, I was like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe she's really here'...I was just awestruck."

"It was amazing for her to come and make sure we were okay. That just shows that she has tons of class."

The 25-year-old singer also appeared to make another fan at the hospital—that of head nurse Darryl Williams, who seemed to shoot down the notion that the star's visit was damage control, instead claiming it was the result of genuine concern.

"She was just very concerned about the people injured in the audience," Williams told the Associated Press. "It was unannounced and we kept it very low-key so that she could spend time with them."

As for what caused the incident in the first place, St. Louis Fire Captain Baron Ross told the Post-Dispatch that it was likely due to a fluke problem with the pyrotechnic device, which had been checked and deemed to meet with the department's standards prior to the concert.

"We even did a test of it before the show, and reinspected it," he said.

As for Beyoncé, she's already back on the tour trail, and is scheduled to resume performing, as planned, Wednesday night in Monterrey, Mexico. She returns to the U.S. later this week, with a show in Dallas on Friday.

Kim Porter broke up with Diddy

2007-07-31T06:31:00.001-07:00

Kim Porter says she dumped Diddy.

"After 10 years, I have decided to end my on-again/off-again relationship with Sean `Diddy' Combs," Porter said in a statement Wednesday to syndicated entertainment TV show "The Insider."

"In ending this relationship, I made a decision that was in the best interest of myself, Sean and our family. I look forward to moving on with my life and my career, and wish him prosperity, health and happiness in life and in love," the 35-year-old model said. "We will remain friends and committed parents to our children."

Porter and Combs have three children: a 9-year-old son, Christian, and 6-month-old twin daughters, D'Lila Star and Jessie James.

The 37-year-old rap mogul announced their split earlier this week.

He has another son, Justin, with ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton-Brim.

The End of Paris and Nicole's Simple Life

2007-07-31T06:26:00.001-07:00

E! has decided not to pick up The Simple Life for another season. Let's have a moment of silence for the canceled show.

Paris and Nicole probably don't need the work anyway.

More Spears Baby Rumors, but Not Britney's

2007-07-31T06:23:00.001-07:00

After Britney's alleged meltdown and recent baby drama, we thought the Spears family couldn't sink any longer. We were wrong. According to the National Enquirer, 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. Now that kind of sucks.

Paris Hilton Loses $60 Million

2007-07-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Paris Hilton,

I'm sorry to hear that your grandpa, Barron Hilton, was so disgusted with your antics this past year that he allegedly decided to take you out of his will. Now instead of splitting $2.4 billion between you and your sibs, your portion will be donated to charity. Yikes. Better create another perfume if you want to keep up the lifestyle to which you've become accustomed. Perhaps you can name it "Screwed."

Hey, look on the bright side; you can finally take down that morbid "days 'till gramps kicks the bucket" calendar count-down that most likely hangs in your room.

Nelly Furtado, 'Promiscuous'

2007-07-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

Nelly told us that this song title -- and that of her 2006 album 'Loose' -- refers to her "really relaxed and free" approach to making music. Sounds nice, but after hearing the song's deliciously irresponsible lyrics, we can't help but think that she didn't tell us the whole story. -- Kim Davis

Sexiest lyric: "Promiscuous boy, you already know/ That I'm all yours. What you waiting for?"

Promiscuous lyrics
(feat. Timbaland)

[N:] Am I throwin you off?
Nope
[N:] Didn’t think so

How you doin’ young lady
That feelin’ that you givin’ really drives me crazy
You don’t haveta play about the joke
I was at a loss of words first time that we spoke

Looking for a girl that’ll treat you right
You lookin’ for her in the day time with the light
You might be the type if I play my cards right
I'll find out by the end of the night

[N:] You expect me to just let you hit it
But will you still respect me if you get it

All I can do is try, gimme one chance
What’s the problem I don’t see no ring on your hand

I be the first to admit it, I’m curious about you, you seem so innocent

[N:] You wanna get in my world, get lost in it
Boy I’m tired of running, lets walk for a minute

[Chorus]
Promiscuous girl
Wherever you are
I’m all alone
And it's you that I want

[N:] Promiscuous boy
You already know
That I’m all yours
What you waiting for?

Promiscuous girl
You're teasing me
You know what I want
And I got what you need

[N:] Promiscuous boy
Let's get to the point
Cause we're on a roll
Are you ready?

[Verse]
[N:] Roses are red
Some diamonds are blue
Chivalry is dead
But you're still kinda cute

Hey! I can't keep my mind off you
Where you at, do you mind if I come through

[N:] I’m out of this world come with me to my planet
Get you on my level do you think that you can handle it?

They call me Thomas
last name Crown
Recognize game
I'm a lay mine's down

[N:] I'm a big girl I can handle myself
But if I get lonely I’ma need your help
Pay attention to me I don't talk for my health

I want you on my team
[N:] So does everybody else.

Baby we can keep it on the low
Let your guard down ain’t nobody gotta know
If you with it girl I know a place we can go

[N:] What kind of girl do you take me for?

[Chorus]
Don't be mad, don't get mean
[N:] Don't get mad, don't be mean

Hey! Don't be mad, don't get mean
[N:] Don't get mad, don't be mean

Wait! I don't mean no harm
I can see you with my t-shirt on

I can see you with nothing on
feeling on me before you bring that on

Bring that on
[N:] You know what I mean

Girl, I’m a freak you shouldn't say those things

I’m only trying to get inside your brain
To see if you can work me the way you say

It's okay, it's alright
I got something that you gon' like

Hey is that the truth or are you talking trash
Is your game M.V.P. like Steve Nash

[Chorus]
Promiscuous Girl
Wherever you are
I’m all alone
And its you that I want

[N:] Promiscuous Boy
I'm calling your name
But you're driving me crazy
The way you're making me wait

Promiscuous Girl
You're teasing me
You know what I want
And I got what you need

[N:] Promiscuous Boy
We're one in the same
So we don't gotta play games no more

Pussycat Doll Gets Bit by Acting Bug

2007-07-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

One thing is for sure: Nicole Scherzinger wants it all. The Pussycat Dolls vixen, who recently announced her solo career, is now setting her sights on acting.

"I was a theater major," the singer told AOL Music at the PCD Sessions. "I studied Shakespeare and I loved doing comedia del arte ... [I] would love to do 'Medea,' the Greek tragedy." Now, however, Scherzinger is opting for less dramatic fare. She told Daily Record, "I really would love to do a romantic comedy because I am pretty much the nerdiest, goofiest girl you have ever met."

Exhibit A: Scherzinger's favorite movie is 'Napoleon Dynamite.' But it's not surprsing considering "goofiness" ranks among the top 3 things she finds sexy, which also include laughter and a sense of humor.

Usher Cancels Wedding

2007-07-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

In a scene straight out of a movie, guests making their way to New York's posh Hamptons for the Saturday nuptials of Usher and pregnant fiancee Tameka Foster were stunned when they were informed that the ceremony was cancelled.

Usher's publicist told the Associated Press, "No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected." Rumors immediately started flying about the reasons behind the cancellation (BBQ or fancy French? Invite Usher's mom or leave her off the guest list?), and there's been no word on whether or not the pair has called off their relationship, too.

Their romance got off to a rocky start when Usher's mom-ager fired Foster, who was the R&B star's stylist. Usher followed suit by firing his mom. E! News reports that Usher's mom was not invited to the ill-fated wedding. The couple's (or former couple's) child is due in the fall.

Malaysian group urges ban on Gwen Stefani concert

2007-07-31T06:03:00.002-07:00

Malaysia should pull the plug on the Kuala Lumpur leg of U.S. singer Gwen Stefani's upcoming Asian tour because of her indecent dressing and obscenity, a Muslim students' group said on Tuesday.

The 10,000-strong National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students said Stefani's August 21 concert, which is part of her 'Sweet Escape' tour, would clash with local Asian and Islamic values.

"Her video clips promoting the event are too obscene," Mohamad Hilmi Ramli, the group's president, told Reuters. "We want the organizers to cancel the concert, failing which we will ask the authorities to intervene."

Ethnic Malays, who are by definition Muslims, make up just over half of Malaysia's 26 million people. Ethnic Chinese and Indians, who are mostly Buddhists, Christians or Hindus, form sizeable minorities.

Hilmi also criticized Malaysian mobile phone firm Maxis Communications for promoting the concert.

"Maxis has been staging a series of foreign acts ... to make a profit and to expose our young generation to things such as moral decay," he said.

Spears, Federline divorce is final

2007-07-31T06:03:00.001-07:00

Britney Spears' marriage to Kevin Federline officially ended Monday. "They are divorced," the pop star's attorney, Laura Wasser, said after a Superior Court hearing. "Everything is finalized."

Court Commissioner Scott Gordon signed orders for dissolution of marriage, an alimony agreement and child custody.

The alimony agreement will not be made public unless there is an enforcement issue, Wasser said.

"Most of that tracks the prenup," the attorney said, without elaborating.

The child custody order was tentatively sealed, pending an Aug. 14 hearing.

"The best interests of the children could be harmed" if the arrangement were not sealed, Gordon said.

Spears married Federline in October 2004, eight months after her first marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander was annulled. She cited irreconcilable differences when she filed for divorce from Federline on Nov. 7, 2006.

Wasser said that Spears was "OK" with the terms of the settlement but that "she would like to be with her kids more."

Since February, Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, have shared joint custody of their two sons, 22-month-old Sean Preston and 10-month-old Jayden James.

Hollywood pros to launch online video site

2007-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Damn Channel will become the latest attempt by Hollywood professionals to cash in on the huge popularity of online video.

Comedian Harry Shearer, filmmaker David Wain and music producer Don Was, among others, also hope to find creative freedom seldom offered by traditional media companies.

The site is the brainchild of former MTV and CBS Radio executive Rob Barnett, who believes Internet audiences want to see professionally produced shows other than network TV fare.

"The old media companies don't know how to program for this medium," Barnett said. "There is a focus on reruns and outtakes, and I don't think that cuts it."

Shearer, who provides the voices for several characters on "The Simpsons" TV show, will produce a weekly political and pop-culture satire show for the site. Was, who has produced records for Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt, will host a music interview show with actor Paul Reiser.

Wain, writer and director of the upcoming film "The Ten," starring Jessica Alba and Paul Rudd, will produce 10 comedy shorts.

Barnett points to the buzz created by the Will Ferrell video "The Landlord," which helped launch Ferrell's Web site, "FunnyorDie.com," as an example of video Web opportunities.

According to the site, the video has been viewed more than 40 million times.

My Damn Channel will syndicate its videos on other Internet sites and collect revenue from advertising. The site has already signed a distribution deal with YouTube, which is owned by Google Inc.

The site is backed by Okapi Venture Capital. The amount of the investment was not disclosed.

Jupiter Media analyst David Card said there is a growing demand for amateur and professional video on the Web.

Still, even videos from pros must find an audience, which can be difficult without an enormous amount of promotion.

"You still need to cut through the clutter and sign some major distribution deals," Card said.